Quality Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

Quality Technician

Food Manufacturing | Entry-Level | Full-Time

Department | Quality Assurance
Reports To | Quality Manager / Quality Director
FLSA Status | Non-Exempt
Work Schedule | Production shift schedule; overtime and weekend availability may be required
Regulatory Scope | FDA/FSMA (21 CFR Part 117), USDA/FSIS (9 CFR Part 417, 416), SQF Code

The Quality Technician supports the quality assurance function by performing in-process inspections on the production floor, maintaining accurate regulatory and SQF documentation, and conducting receiving inspections on incoming raw materials and ingredients. This is an entry-level role designed for candidates who are detail-oriented, comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and eager to develop expertise in food safety compliance.

• Perform scheduled in-process checks including weight, temperature, pH, water activity (aw), visual appearance, and packaging integrity
• Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) and verify that critical limits are met per the facility HACCP plan (9 CFR 417 / 21 CFR 117)
• Observe and document pre-operational and operational sanitation checks in accordance with Sanitation SOPs (9 CFR 416)
• Identify, tag, and initiate holds on nonconforming product; communicate immediately to the Quality Manager
• Support environmental monitoring swab collection and sample submission per the facility EMP schedule
• Verify that allergen changeover and line clearance procedures are completed and documented before production begins

• Complete all required production and quality records accurately and in real time; never pre-fill or back-fill records
• Maintain records in compliance with FSIS record retention requirements (9 CFR 412) and FDA 21 CFR 117 recordkeeping requirements (minimum 2 years for most records)
• Assist in label verification: confirm product label matches approved artwork, including allergen declarations (FALCPA Big
  9), net weight, and lot coding
• Support internal SQF audits and FDA/USDA inspection readiness by organizing records and ensuring documentation is complete and legible
• Participate in corrective action and preventive action (CAPA) documentation; assist in root cause analysis under direction of Quality Manager
• Log nonconformances and assist with drafting responses to FSIS Noncompliance Records (NRs) when applicable

• Conduct receiving inspections on raw materials, ingredients, and packaging; verify supplier COAs against approved specifications
• Review and file Certificates of Analysis (COAs), temperature records, and shipping documents for incoming lots
• Reject or place on hold any incoming material that does not meet specifications; document and notify Purchasing and Quality Manager
• Assist in maintaining the approved supplier list and supplier verification records per FSMA supply-chain program requirements (21 CFR 117 Subpart G)
• Support foreign supplier verification activities (FSVP) as directed, including reviewing importer documentation under 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart L

• High school diploma or GED;
• 0–2 years of experience in food manufacturing, quality control, or a related field (internship or co-op experience counts)
• Basic understanding of food safety principles, GMP, and HACCP concepts
• Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
• Comfortable working in cold, wet, or hot production environments; ability to stand for extended periods
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate recordkeeping

• Familiarity with SQF, BRC, or other GFSI-recognized food safety schemes
• Experience using electronic quality management systems (QMS) or ERP platforms
• PCQI certification (F